Disability sports day for children in North London

Last Thursday, the Aspire National Training Centre was even more of a hive of activity than usual when 113 children from 10 local special schools unleashed their inner Paralympians for the Aspire disability sports day.

Aspire’s Sports Development team welcomed children from the special schools that they work with in North London following their involvement in Aspire’s ‘Multi Sports 4 All’ project this year. Nearly all of the children involved have some kind of physical or sensory impairment, or learning difficulties, and the day provided the opportunity to take part in disability sports including Boccia, sitting volleyball, badminton and wheelchair sports.

At the end of the day, the children were awarded London 2012 souvenirs as a way of recognising their progress and development throughout the year.

Nicky Day, a staff member from Bushey Meads School, said:

"A huge, huge thank you for putting on such an amazing day. Our students haven't stopped talking about it and you only had to look around the sports hall to see how happy everyone was...can't wait until the next one!"

Multi Sports 4 All aims to increase participation in sport among disabled children in Harrow, Brent and Barnet. Now in its second year, the ‘Multi Sports 4 All’ project is funded by John Lyon’s Charity, who provided a grant of £58,000 for the three-year programme.

Through this project, and others, Aspire aims to increase opportunities for disabled people and remove some of the barriers that they can face in day to day life. Getting involved in sports activities not only helps everyone enjoy better physical health and mobility, but it can also develop personal self esteem and confidence.

Thank you to the 12 young leaders from local sixth forms and colleges who helped out on the day.

The Aspire Sports holiday programme starts on 22nd July at the Aspire National Training Centre. If your child is interested in taking part, contact Elliott Beaton, Sports Development Administrator.